D-Funk All-Stars

David Lee Spradley (DLee)

David Lee Spradley, also known as D. Lee, David Lee, David Lee Chong or Chung, and St. Song throughout his career, was born on May 18, 1954 in Seoul, South Korea. His birth name was Lee Seung Chang, which when translated is St.

Song! When he was three years old, Americans, Russell and Nancy Spradley, adopted David. Russell, serving in the military at the time, then brought him over to the United States where David became a naturalized U.S. citizen. His father’s occupation led to his growing up in several different countries, his favorite being Germany, where he lived for nearly four years as a child. David’s love of performing started at the tender age of four when he first discovered his adopted grandmother’s old upright piano. He also enjoyed playing guitar and drums as a youth. He graduated from Roseville High School in 1972 and attended Oakland University (1972-75) in Rochester, MI, as a music-major. He has continued his love of music for the past fifty plus years working as a professional musician, composer, arranger, producer, and engineer for an interesting mix of internationally known artists. Some of the incredible artists David has worked with throughout his career include: Steve Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Patti Austin, Anita Baker, George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic and Bootsy Collins, (as David Lee Chong) Roy Ayers, Stanley Clarke, Earl Klugh, Bob James, Boney James, David Benoit, Chuck Loeb, Norman Brown, Tom Browne, Ray Parker, Jr., Peter White, Mindi Abair, Jesse J, Sly Fox, Boogie Boys, L.J. Reynolds, Phillipe Wynne, David

Peaston, Keith Washington, and Straight Ahead. David has also composed many songs throughout his career, the most famous being, “Atomic Dog,” with George Clinton & Garry Shider. This song has the distinction of being one of the most sampled songs in the industry, most notably, by Snoop Dogg in, “What’s My Name?” David currently works with Grammy Award-winning guitarist, Earl Klugh, performing in concerts all over the world and in the recording studio. Earl’s last band album, “The Spice Of Life,” which David performs on, was nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award. David has been working with Earl since 1993. David also had his own band based in Detroit called, “D. Lee and The Edge.” He produced and released two albums on the group entitled, “In Pursuit of Phatness,” (1998)* and “Fabulous,” (2005). Both CD's and his newest solo release, "Back To Basics," -A Pop Thang- (2014) are available for review and purchase at at www.cdbaby.com You can also hear these and some of his unreleased songs on his website at www.dleesmusic.com e-mail: dspradley@comcast.net cell: 313-318-0008

Larry Fratangelo- Percussion

LARRY FRATANGELO, percussionist, has recorded and toured with some of the top recording artists in the world today. His name appears on Gold, Platinum and Grammy award-winning albums. Larry has performed at the White House and for the British House of Parliament. He has performed with the Boston Pops, at the Grammy Awards, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, on the David Letterman Show and Saturday Night Live. A graduate of Michigan State University, Larry is currently producing several World Music projects under his record label, BAP Records.
Larry Talks About the ‘One Nation Band’ The engine of the One Nation (Under a Groove) Band, I believe, is improvisation. This definitely has its roots in jazz. All the band members are percussionists, which always reminds me of Dizzy’s (Gillespie) statement that jazz started with a man beating a drum. With the concept that Funk is the improvisational form of pop(ular) music today (not so long ago, jazz was considered pop music), the band’s musical spirit really is jazz. The ONB travels this mysterious path of modern jazz, pioneered by the most popular jazz group of all time — Weather Report. As we know, Weather Report was a melting pot of World Music, blending “miles” of musical styles from across the globe. They used jazz as their recipe to fire the brew. The One Nation Band’s repertoire embraces this concept, including WR tunes, originals, as well as classical jazz standards, which are used as vehicles for this musical exploration and celebration. This has always been the case in the history and spirit of our American art form — Jazz. As Jazz is a mélange of cultures and musical styles, so is the One Nation Band. All with Detroit roots, all still living here, and using that experience to create the music that we play. The music that we play is the spirit of Detroit!

Valdez Brantley - Keyboards.

Usher , Mary J Blige, Neyo

Keyboardist and programmer Valdez Brantley has enjoyed a rich musical career, touring and recording with some of the top names in R&B and hip-hop. The Detroit native has built an impressive list of credits over his many years in the biz, working with artists such as Mary J. Blige, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Keith Sweat, and Lil Wayne, to name just a few. Since 1998, he’s been the musical director for megastar Usher, and their worldwide OMG Tour was one of the highest-grossing concert series of 2011.

Eric “Rain Man” Gaston - Drummer

Charlie Wilson / Chante Moore

Detroit Native Eric "Rain Man" Gaston is a proud graduate of Thomas M. Cooley High School. Gaston graduated from Hampton University in 2003 with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Information Systems. Gaston attended Hampton on an academic and music scholarship. While at Hampton, Gaston proudly served as Head Drum Major of The Marching F.O.R.C.E. under the direction of the late Barney E. Smart, Sr. Since departing Hampton, Gaston has held several contracts in computer repair and software design. After years of dedicated service in computers, Gaston transitioned from the boardroom to the big stage. Gaston; a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Fraternity, Inc. – (Nu Omega Chapter) has had the pleasure of recording, performing, and touring (drums) with artists such as Charlie Wilson, Chante Moore, Stevie  Wonder, Alexander Zonjic, K'Jon, D'Wele, Eric Roberson, Mike Ellison, Ginuwine, Dave Hollister, Vivian Green, Fabolous, Salt -N- Pepa, Comedian Sinbad, Jeff Lorber, Ana Tijoux (received a Latin Grammy Nomination), Maysa, Keith Washington, Christopher Williams, Silk, Bishop William Murphy III, J Moss, Algebra Blessett, Anthony David, Maimouna Yousef, Regina Belle, The Floaters, Phil Perry, Deitrick Haddon, Kirk Whalum, Johnny Gill, Angie Stone, Estelle, Jill Scott, Wyclef and many more. Gaston has also extended his talents beyond the drum set to become a stage/production manager and entrepreneur. Gaston is the CEO and Founder of (RME) Rain Man Entertainment, LLC. RME, LLC is a full-service entertainment company providing music direction, music consultation, studio/stage production, promotions, event planning, live/tour/studio musicians, and tour/stage management. Gaston also served as a college professor (Drum Department Head) at D.I.M.E. - Detroit Institute of Music Education and Area Coordinator and Affiliate Faculty for Metropolitan State University and Falmouth University in the UK from 2014 until 2020. Gaston is a member of the Hampton University 40 under 40 Society c/o 2018. Gaston is a proud husband and father of two.  Grateful for all his opportunities, Gaston is honored to serve his family and community and “Let his life do the singing.” 

Gabe Gonzalez

George Clinton. Enema Squad

Gabriel Gonzalez was born on February 17 in New York City. A year later moved back to Detroit with his family where he grew up in a very musical household.It started in 1985 with his first professional recording session & gigs for some local Gospel Artist. Dr.LaQuint Weaver & The Moss Brothers (JMoss). During that time he was also in the Mumford High Scool Jazz band for a few years performing around the city and for the Mayor.

He secured a scholarship to Berklee School of Music but turned it down to finish High School at Night for being on tour all year! He also passed up on an offer to play with The RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS to finish High School!

Having met George Clinton at the impressionable age of nine because of his father who owned a barbershop, cut “MOONS & STARS” in his head in the early 70’s. This led back to a young Gonzalez meeting up again with George Clinton 8 years later at legendary studio UNITED SOUND a home base for P-FUNK & many legendary artist from John Lee Hooker to the Zapp.

Core mebers of P-Funk would eventually rehearse in his grandmothers basement sometimes during layovers in DETROIT. This is where he got a chance to study P-Funk’s craft from greats like Billy Bass Nelson,Eddie Hazel,Garry Shider, Blackbyrd McKnight, & Michael “Clip” Payne who has greatfully had me in half a dozen bands with him.

The group was so impressed with the youngster that they decided to have Dr.Funkenstein let him officailly TOUR the World with the band on February 18,1995 one day after his 26th Birthday! “I was the youngest member of the band at that time and took on the moniker from highschool as “the Undi$co Kidd” for my knowledge of P-FUNK Music” said Gonzalez.

By 1990 Gabe Gonzalez founded his own group known as Enemy Squad which has released a number of “COLLECTIBLE” and “RARE” Out of Print C.D.’s and LP’s. Enemy Squad played Lollapalooza,with Bad Brains on their Re-Union Tour, Rage Agianst The Machine, Black Eyed Peas, Ernie Isley, Morris Day & the Time just to name a few. He was Inducted into HOLLYWOOD Guitar Center’s ROCK WALK with the P-FUNK ALLSTARS on November 21,1996!

A few days later he left the band to pursue his own career with his own band and other Projects such as H.R. (Bad Brains Frontman), Ultra Unit feat Amp Fiddler & local Hip Hop Artist, with Jaun Atkins and some of Derrick May’s Techno Artist, The Process & Bernie Worrell’s group the WOO WARRIORS for five years whom he performed with at WOODSTOCK ’99! Gabe Gonzalez recently WON “FUNK ARTIST of the YEAR” at the D.B.M.A’s & Outstanding Electronic/ Dance / Writer / PRODUCER at the 2012 Detroit Music Awards. He has also been working with Legendary Hip Hop Artist K-SOLO,BUSHWICK BILL, AWESOME DRE’ as Produecr/ Music Director and just signed on with ANTI AUTHORITY’s LABEL TEAM. AS Gabe Gonzalez see’s it EDUCATION is KNOWLEDGE,KNOWLEDGE IS POWER,& LEARNING IS A CONTINUOUS JORNEY WELL EARNED

William Wang -Trombone

William Wang is a freelance trombonist, recording artist, arranger, composer and educator based in Detroit, MI. Wang received his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the Michigan State University under the tutelage of Michael Dease. Recently, Wang has shared the stage with the Temptations, the Four Tops, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, and for the Hip-Hop 50th Tour, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and EPMD. Wang is currently the trombonist for Greater Emmanuel Institutional COGIC with the Presiding Bishop, J. Drew Sheard Sr.

Terrell Williams -Trumpet

Born and raised in Detroit, Terrell Williams is a multi-genre instrumentalist creating and performing jazz, gospel, hip hop, and R&B music. Growing up Terrell was influenced by many prominent musicians and teachers such as Randy Scott, Damien Crutcher, Kris Johnson, Jeffrey Smith and many more throughout the city. Terrell is a graduate of South Carolina State University with Bachelor of Arts in music Industry. He achieved and excelled within his musicianship with a focus in classical and jazz trumpet. Thriving throughout his collegiate years included him becoming a member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Student Conductor, Head Trumpet Section Leader, Most Outstanding Jazz Trumpeter, and nominated for Jazz Hall of Fame at the University. Through the years He has continued his legacy as a trumpeter playing alongside of artists/band and organization like: EastCoast entertainment, Emerald Empire, Four Tops, The Temptations, Brian Alexander Band, Urban Art orchestra with De’Sean Jones, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Karen Clark Sheard, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Darious James, Angie Stone, Wycliffe Gordon, Doug E. Fresh and many more. Terrell is also the Key trumpeter for the presiding Bishop of the COGIC church of the world John Drew Sheard Sr. 

LaDarrell “Saxappeal” Johnson - Alto Sax

Saxappeal's mission is to rekindle the flame between people and good music. His hopes are to connect with his audience in a way they’ve never experienced.  With a passion deeper than anything he can explain, he uses his horn to tell stories and celebrate the gift of love through music.Saxappeal:  The name itself brings a new sensation to the art form of music.  Comfortably known as “Sax,” this Detroit born and bred saxophonist has been playing since the tender age of 7.  After a mere 6 months of playing, this young bird was encouraged to spread his wings and fly and has been soaring ever since.  Now, the extraordinary 38 year-old musician brings love, pain & every emotion in between each time he sets foot on stage.  His 2012 & 2022 Grammy nomination is a testament to this fact.

De’Sean Jones - Tenor Sax

Confidence and talent have taken De’Sean Jones far in the last decade and a half, a long road that started with a casual bet between De’Sean and his father. Just 12 years old at the time, and having only dabbled in music up to that point, De’Sean heard the music of Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. Intrigued, but not intimidated, his reaction was “I can do that.” To his surprise, the elder Jones called his bluff by purchasing a saxophone and gave the young man six months to prove himself. The rest is Detroit music history, still in the making. A prodigy on tenor sax, Jones participated in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's civic jazz program, attended the Detroit School for the Fine and Performing Arts and the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory. He also studied under renowned jazz bassist Rodney Whitaker both through the DSO and Michigan State University. His mentors entered his life early, leading him into the folds of Detroit’s weighty jazz scene at the age of 15. As a teenager Jones played with such notables as the late-great Gerald Wilson, Donald Walden and Lawrence Williams. But it was Detroit jazz icon, Marcus Belgrave that left the deepest imprint on his musical soul. “Marcus is the reason I became a musician,” De’Sean says of the late- great trumpet player. Belgrave became a second father to De’Sean; his musical father. He brought him into the world of jazz that would be his home, his familiar place, into adulthood, even as he ventured out into other areas of musical experimentation. The two even engaged in long, sometimes harsh conversations that were rarely about music, but rather about life. “He was much more than a force from the bandstand,” says De’Sean. “He was my role model. He helped groom me into a man.” On his newest project, the release of “Knomadik Reverence” by the De’Sean Jones Septet, De’Sean pays homage to his spiritual beliefs and to those who inspired him as a student, in particular on the cut “Solomon Da Wise,” which he wrote and dedicated to Belgrave and early mentor, Solomon Parham. The first release for the DeSean Jones Septet on the Detroit Music Factory label, “Knomadik Reverence” is a collection of all original tracks that ambles on the adventurous side of jazz, but not without high energy. De’Sean’s band mates in the septet include Chase Jackson on Vibraphone, who also wrote two of the album’s tracks. The other musicians are Aaron Janik on trumpet, Conrad Reeves on guitar, Shea Pierre on keyboards/piano, Matt Adomeit on bass and Austin Vaughn on drums. Just as rich and emotionally charged as “Solomon Da Wise” is the sultry “Greyhound.” “People like ‘Greyhound’ because it tells a story,” says De’Sean. The piece is a rollercoaster of a composition, moving from high energy to methodic layers. “I think people appreciate that it takes them on a journey,” he says. Over the years, De’Sean has evolved to become much more than a jazz musician. His originality and unique sound fuse a multitude of influences including funk, hip hop, bebop and soul. He has been an active member of the legendary Detroit electronic music collective Underground Resistance for several years, and has toured and co- produced alongside techno pioneer Mike Banks and keyboardist Jon Dixon. He’s toured the world with numerous acts including Stevie Wonder, The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams and Faith Evans.

Nick Benhan  - Guitar

Nick Behnan is a guitarist composer and producer from Detroit, Mi. He’s toured with national artists including Carl Thomas, Keith Washington, The Hip Hop 50th anniversary tour feat. Doug E Fresh, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Cane, KRS ONE, Rakim, and EPMD, Hip Hop pioneer and rock n hall of fame artist Flavor Flav, 2021 winner of The Voice Cam Anthony, Motown legend Martha Reeves, Johny Gill, and Eric Roberson. He had the honor of performing with Greg Phillinganes (Michael Jackson/Stevie Wonder/Toto) as a part of Detroit Music Weekends tribute to the Jackson 5. Nick also toured nationally as the guitarist for Pride And Joy The Marvin Gaye Musical. His original projects The Infatuations, JIVA, The Lows, and solo releases Nick Behnan can be streamed/downloaded on all major platforms.  The Infatuations have received over a dozen Detroit Music Awards and shared bills with legendary artists like Sheila E, George Clinton, and Rusted Root. The Lows opened for major rock acts Candlebox, Stone Temple Pilots, Puddle Of Mud and Pop Evil and landed a feature placement on the Xbox/PlayStation game NASCAR Heat 3. Nick also composes and produces music for TV/Film with tracks regularly featured on Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, NBC, Fox and most all other major networks.  Some notable shows include Mayans M.C., Jane The Virgin, Chicago Fire, Mayer Of Kingstown, and Bones.

Charles “Gator” Moore

Gator’s experience as a seasoned entertainer began as a member of the R&B/Soul trio "The Transitions”, spearheaded by Michael Bivins of the famed group New Edition. "The Transitions were first featured on the Essence Magazine’s first music CD entitled “The Love Songs”, and their debut LP “Back In Da Days” was largely produced by Kay Gee of Naughty By Nature. BET premiered the group’s first video of the single entitled “Ghetto Laws” where Gator (the front man of the group) unveiled his acting skills opposite Charlie Murphy (from the movie Harlem Nights & also brother to actor Eddie Murphy).

Gator’s vocal talents caught the attention of Hollywood film makers where he appeared on John Singleton's “Baby Boy” movie and soundtrack singing his soulful sexy ballad “Straight F****g, as well as Tyler Perry's “Daddy’s Little Girls” movie soundtrack, where Gator performs a remake of soulful Sam Cooke classic hit, “A Change is Gonna Come”.

After taking time from the industry to work on his debut solo project, Gator returned to the scene with the release of his Mixtape "Focused (Mixtape Vol. 1). Followed by the smooth feel of  "Miracle" and the sexy "Klymaxxx". After many phenomenal responses from his fans,  which touched many music lover’s hearts, Gator continues to show his fans and the world that R&B is not dead.

Paul Hill Vocal

George Clinton / P Funk Allstars

Paul has been on the road with P-Funk, off and on, since 1989 and steadily since 1995. He recorded the hit single Saturday Love” with Alexander O’Neill and performed on the Hearsay Tour in ‘88-’89. He was also involved with the hit “Gettin’ It” and is involved with the Just Clever project for Biv 10, Michael Bivens’ label

Cherri Black

A singer, songwriter and actress from Flint, MI. She currently resides in Detroit, MI.  Cherri began singing at night clubs, casinos and weddings across the U.S.  In 2007, she became a contestant on the legendary “Showtime at the Apollo.”  She also appeared on “The American Bible Challenge” with “Kirk Franklin” and game show host, “Jeff Foxworthy.”  Cherri’s most recent television appearance was “The 2015 Super Bowl Halftime Show” where Cherri provided background vocals for “Katy Perry,” “Missy Elliott” and “Lenny Kravitz.”   Watch Cherri in the movie  “Sparkle” starring, Whitney Houston.  Also, watch Cherri in Katy Perry’s – “The Prismatic World Tour – Live on DVD.”  One highlight moment for Cherri occurred in 2014, when she met and sang at The White House for “President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.” 

KIKO

Singer/Actress

They say that stars are born and then discovered...that is the case here. Standing 5'8", this songstress is a multi talented force to be reckoned with. Stylish, funky, soulful, and energetic are just a few words to describe Kikos persona on and off the stage. Born and raised in Detroit, Kiko has been singing since the age of 5, and has been a fixture on the local music scene for well over 20 years. Growing up in a musical household with a mother who sang in the local Live Band circuit, Kiko had a natural love for all areas of performing arts. Dance, modeling, playing the flute, and participating in local talent shows were among the things that kept Kiko busy growing up, then later joining her High School choir. It was not until 1995 when Kiko was asked to perform at a supper club, that she decided to become a professional singer. Working the casino circuit performing Top 40, Funk, Motown and R&B, and covering Jazz standards in local piano bars became a full time gig. Kiko is most known as the lead singer for famed Funk Band, "Larry Lee and Back In The Day", but has

also performed as a background vocalist for a wide range of artists, with the likes of Najee', Phil Perry, Me'Lisa Morgan, Howard Hewitt, Adina Howard and Detroit's own R&B artists Keith Washington and K’Jon. At the peak of her career, Kiko was introduced to theater and toured with the hit stage play "My Brother Marvin" as a member of the female ensemble, under the direction of famed actor Clifton Powell, sharing the stage with Award winning actress, Lynn Whitfield and R&B singer Keith Washington. With a newfound love for theater, Kiko landed roles in various productions, including T.J. Hemphill's "Perilous Times, and Kelly Nieto's "The Cross and the Light". Later to become a part of the female ensemble, with the touring musical “Pride and Joy”. From stage to the big screen, Kiko made her film debut as an extra in the   make of the movie, "Sparkle", Starring the late Whitney Houston, and was featured in Comedian, Sinbad's, “Make Me

Wanna Holla” , a stand up comedy special that aired on Comedy Central. Kiko's ability to be versatile is what sets her apart from other artists. She has set the stage as an opener for concerts at the Fox Theater Detroit, The Aretha Franklin Amphitheater, MotorCity Casino Soundboard, The Music hall and more. Those acts include Comedian, Mike Epps, Civil Rights Activist, Dick Gregory, Morris Day and The Time, The Whispers, Ashanti, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Monica, Tamar Braxton, Carl Thomas, and Case just to name a few. Kiko was also chosen as one of the vocalists to pay tribute to the late “Queen of Soul”, Aretha Franklin, before and after her passing. Kiko has always been a supporter of other artists so she created and was the host of "Next In Line", an online radio show that showcased unsigned/independent talent. She is the CEO of Starchild Entertainment. A company that scouts and develops talent, also booking and artist management.

Kiko currently holds the title of Vocal and Performance Coach for the Stellar Award winning Detroit Youth Choir, who also appeared on America’s Got Talent Season 16 and AGT All-Stars. Lena Starks - Anita Baker